University of Southern California

Overview

The Environmental Risk Analysis program at the University of Southern California equips students with essential quantitative and policy-ready skills required to assess environmental risks across various sectors, including business, government, and industry. This comprehensive course combines environmental science with statistics, risk assessment methods, and financial principles, allowing students to evaluate real-world case studies and engage in a capstone project.

What you'll study

Core learning areas

• Foundations of environmental science and applied environmental analysis
• Risk assessment methodologies and environmental decision-making processes
• Statistical techniques and quantitative tools for environmental data analysis
• Computer modeling and analytical workflows
• Financial and managerial perspectives for risk evaluation
• Policy formulation, negotiation, and communication strategies for stakeholder engagement

Indicative course components

• Environmental Risk Analysis
• Environmental Science
• Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting
• Statistics for Environmental Analysis
• Managerial Perspectives
• Negotiation and Deal-Making
• Corporate Finance

Seminar sequence and project

• Advanced Environmental Science Seminar: A two-semester sequence that integrates science, technology, and finance with risk assessment and policy.
• Case-study focus (Semester 1): In-depth analysis of environmental risk scenarios from various sectors.
• Applied project (Semester 2): A project utilizing quantitative and analytical tools to connect scientific, policy, technological, and financial concepts.

Thesis requirement

• A master’s thesis is not a requirement for this program.

Entry requirements

There are no specific GRE, GMAT, or GPA grading score requirements for this program. However, prospective students are encouraged to check the latest admissions criteria directly with USC.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Environmental Risk Analysis program are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in sectors such as environmental consulting, regulatory agencies, corporate sustainability, and risk management. Their unique skill set enables them to analyze environmental risks and contribute to informed decision-making processes in both public and private sectors.